One of the yearly rituals we practise here in spring in southern Ontario is switching over our winter snow tires to summer tires. We had an uncommonly mild and temperate winter this year, but nevertheless, the task had to be completed. As I was sitting at a cafe table in our very modern and friendly local dealership last week, I had an opportunity to reread some of the blogs on my website. I was feeling very overwhelmed and discouraged that day, due to my husband’s failing health. His illnesses cloud the fabric of our daily lives, casting a long shadow over everything we do. As much as I try to remain positive, strong, and optimistic, there are some days that are just more difficult to navigate than others. Paul always looked after our vehicle and its maintenance, but now, due to his pain, poor mobility, and memory issues, that is no longer an option. I was just not sure he was up to driving there and back by himself this year.
The young man looking after me was especially kind and very welcoming, taking good care of me while I waited. He was also quite good looking, which never hurts! Sharing space with a lot of strangers that day, I could feel my spirits slowly lifting, as I read the Bible verses and promises of God once again. On my drive back home, about a fifteen-minute journey one away, I pulled out onto the busy QEW highway. I was immediately stuck behind a large semi-trailer; on the very back of it was the phrase: Bearer of Burdens…Matthew 11:28-30. I could not believe my eyes…I felt that God was speaking to me directly, on a day when I really needed to hear from Him! I lost no time in looking up that passage in the Bible after I arrived home. It was very familiar to me, and it reads like this: “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” I especially love the last sentence…”For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” These wonderful, life-affirming words were spoken by Jesus himself.
What exactly does the word “yoke” mean in this sentence? In days gone by, a yoke was a wooden crosspiece that was fastened over the necks of two animals and attached to the plow or cart that they pulled. In fact, my aunt Alice owned an old yoke from my father’s homestead and farm in New Brunswick. In the Bible, it can also refer to slavery, servitude, or a burden that influences in a leadership manner. Years ago, when I was going through a terrible time in my life, I woke up one morning and felt very different. I can only describe the experience as noticing immediately that a huge weight had been physically (and most likely spiritually) lifted off my shoulders. In the midst of a huge crisis in my marriage, I had not even been aware that I was carrying around so heavy a burden. Overnight, I believe that Jesus took away the cruel and heavy oppression that had been bearing down upon me for years and years. Things did not get better immediately, but I know for sure that things turned around in my favour that day. Now, I knew once again that God was helping me through my trials and tribulations. Though often physically alone, I was not alone in spirit!
Reflecting back upon the events of last week, I can clearly see that Jesus was getting me ready to face yet another crisis. The following night after my trip to the car dealership, I was forced to call 911, due to a medical emergency that had unexpectedly befallen Paul. As usual, I did not see it coming, but thankfully, the issue turned out to be minor in nature, and Paul made a full recovery. The two very tall and strong paramedics who responded to my call for help were professional and caring, and I was so grateful to have them when I needed them. As overtaxed as our public health care system is here in Canada, it is still pretty darn good!
God is so good to us…He looks after us in ways that we cannot even comprehend or imagine! Instead of dealing with our problems in isolation, we can and should go to God for help in times of trouble. He is our ultimate burden bearer; rest assured that He will never turn a blind eye or a deaf ear to our petitions and prayers. He is simply waiting for our call.
Hallelujah!
